Birmingham optometrist becomes first Black president of Alabama Optometric Association

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – A Birmingham eye doctor is making history as the first Black president of the Alabama Optometric Association.

Dr. Valencia Wells, who has been helping patients see clearly for more than a decade, said the role is about more than representation.

“I’m actually the first black male or female to serve as president of the Alabama Optometric Association. And it’s really just been a blessing from above,” Wells said.

Advocating for statewide eye care access

Wells owns Morris Avenue Eye Care and has been a fixture in Birmingham’s downtown community since 2009. She will now lead the association that advocates for doctors and patients across all 67 counties.

“Talking to our legislators and making sure that all patients, everyone in public, has good eye health and good quality access to eye healthcare,” Wells said.

Wells said many areas in Alabama lack specialists, making local optometrists crucial for early detection of issues like glaucoma and diabetic eye disease.

“Optometrists are in 63 counties of the state. And when we have surgeons, that’s only in about 23 counties,” Wells said.

From rural Alabama to statewide leadership

Wells’ journey started in rural Thomaston, Alabama, where a middle school research paper helped her find her calling.

“I did it on optometry. And I tell everybody the Lord has always worked out everything ever since that day. It’s just been a blessing,” Wells said.

She is using her platform to inspire the next generation of students and offers an endowed scholarship through UAB.

“With the endowed scholarship, it goes on forever. And it’s for an optometry student that may be from a rural area or just a student that needs help,” Wells said.

Wells said the honor is about more than a title and serves as a reminder that vision extends beyond sight.

“I’m just hoping that when other young people see me, they can realize and know that they can do it as well. They have to see it to believe it. And once they see me and they know it can be done, the sky’s the limit,” Wells said.

Wells said she hopes to inspire more students to pursue careers in optometry and plans to continue serving locally through Morris Avenue Eye Care while advocating for eye health across the state.

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